Broken Hearts: Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Conn.

Let us remember the children and educators lost on December 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Let us celebrate their lives. Let us care for the survivors. Let us protect our children. Let us find peace.

We have broken hearts, and they will take a long time to mend. But even in our sorrow, even in our anger, let us remember to love, to care, to reach out.

There will be plenty of time for debate about how to respond and how to prevent future tragedies—as if we haven't seen enough. When we do, however, I hope we will do it with civility. With respect. Do not allow us to tarnish the memories of the lost by stooping to bickering and name-calling. If we can come together to negotiate a path to a safer world for our children, then we honor everyone who was lost:

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Charlotte Bacon, 2/22/2006

Daniel Barden, 9/25/2005

Rachel Davino, 7/17/1983

Olivia Engel, 7/18/2006

Josephine Gay, 12/11/2005

Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04/04/2006

Dylan Hockley, 3/8/2006

Dawn Hocksprung, 06/28/1965

Madeleine F. Hsu, 7/10/2006

Catherine V. Hubbard, 6/08/2006

Chase Kowalski, 10/31/2005

Jesse Lewis, 6/30/2006

James Mattioli, 3/22/2006

Grace McDonnell, 12/04/2005

Anne Marie Murphy, 07/25/1960

Emilie Parker, 5/12/2006

Jack Pinto, 5/06/2006

Noah Pozner, 11/20/2006

Caroline Previdi, 9/07/2006

Jessica Rekos, 5/10/2006

Avielle Richman, 10/17/2006

Lauren Russeau, 6/1982

Mary Sherlach, 2/11/1956

Victoria Soto, 11/04/1985

Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/2006

Allison N. Wyatt, 7/03/2006

Let us adopt the innocence and trust of children as we travel the road ahead. We travel it together, regardless of our philosophical or political views. So like children, let us assume the good heartedness of our fellow travelers. Let us find a way to solve problems together.

For the children. For our children. For our future.

Daniel M. Reck, M.S.Ed., is an educator and artist. He believes that every child has something to teach a grownup.

Join the Virtual Candlelight Vigil

Please feel free to share and use these social media covers to join in a virtual candlelight vigil, warm our hearts, and share in the community.